From prototyping to full-scale production, our advanced CNC lathes and CNC turning centers ensure the precise manufacturing of high-quality parts, even for the most complex requirements.
Not sure which machining process best suits your project? Simply email your drawing to Sales@fastmachined.com, and our expert team will guide you through the best solution.
CNC Lathe & CNC Turning
Our CNC turning machines provide a cost-effective solution for producing precision cylindrical parts with exceptional efficiency. We specialize in custom prototypes and end-use production parts, delivering results in as fast as 1 day.
Equipped with live tooling, our CNC lathes can machine intricate features, including axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots, ensuring superior accuracy and consistency.
Ideal Applications for CNC Turning:
- Functional prototypesand end-use parts
- Components with cylindrical features
- Parts requiring axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots
- Shafts, valves, lock rings, and cylindercomponents
We offer rapid feedback to optimize your part design for the CNC turning process, ensuring it meets all technical specifications and performance requirements. With our advanced manufacturing capabilities, we deliver high-quality metal and plastic CNC-turned parts for rapid prototyping and production—on time and with exceptional precision.
What is CNC Turning? How It Works & Its Benefits
What is CNC Turning?
CNC turning (Computer Numerical Control turning) is a precision machining process that utilizes a lathe to manufacture high-accuracy custom parts from materials such as metal, plastic, and aluminum. In this process, the lathe rotates the workpiece, while a cutting tool removes excess material, shaping it into the desired form.
How CNC Turning Works
The CNC turning process follows these key steps:
- CAD Design & Programming– The part is first designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. The design is then converted into CNC machine code that controls the lathe’s movements.
- Machine Setup– The workpiece is mounted on the lathe, and the required cutting tools are installed.
- Precision Machining– The CNC lathe spins the workpiece at high speed while the cutting tool precisely removes material to achieve the final size, shape, and surface finish.
- Quality Inspection– The finished part is carefully measured to ensure it meets tolerance requirements and design specifications.
Advantages of CNC Turning
Choosing CNC turning services offers several benefits:
1. Superior Precision & Accuracy
- CNC lathes operate with high precision, following exact programmed specifications.
- Ideal for producing complex geometrieswith tight tolerances.
2. Faster Production & Efficiency
- CNC turning allows for high-speed machining, reducing production time.
- Multiple parts can be machined in a single setup, improving efficiency.
3. Cost-Effective & Scalable
- Minimizes material wasteby optimizing cutting paths.
- Reduces manual labor costs, making it ideal for low-volume prototypingand high-volume manufacturing.
4. Versatile Material Compatibility
- Supports a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, and plastics.
- Suitable for aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial applications.
Our CNC Turning Services
At FST, we provide high-quality CNC turning services with:
✔ State-of-the-art CNC lathes for precision machining
✔ Rapid prototyping and high-volume production
✔ Custom CNC turning solutions for various industries
✔ Fast turnaround times and strict quality control
Get a Free CNC Turning Quote Today!
Need custom CNC-turned parts? Send us your drawing or CAD file at Sales@fastmachined.com, and our experts will provide a fast, accurate quote.
Conclusion
CNC turning is a fast, precise, and cost-effective machining solution for producing custom components with high accuracy. Whether you need a one-off prototype or bulk production, CNC turning ensures superior quality, efficiency, and scalability for your manufacturing needs.
Types of CNC Lathes
CNC lathes come in various types, each designed for specific machining needs. Here are the most common types:
1. Horizontal CNC Lathes
- The most widely used type.
- The spindle is positioned horizontally.
- Ideal for general-purpose turning, threading, and grooving.
2. Vertical CNC Lathes (VTLs)
- The spindle is positioned vertically.
- Best for heavy and large-diameter workpieces.
- Common in automotive and aerospace
3. Swiss-Type CNC Lathes
- Designed for high-precision, small-diameter parts.
- The workpiece moves along the Z-axis while being cut.
- Common in medical, electronics, and watchmaking
4. Multi-Axis CNC Lathes
- Includes 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis
- Allows complex machining operationsin one setup.
- Reduces machining time and improves accuracy.
5. Twin-Spindle CNC Lathes
- Features two spindlesfor simultaneous machining.
- Increases productivityby reducing part handling.
- Ideal for high-volume production.
6. Live Tooling CNC Lathes
- Equipped with rotating toolsfor milling, drilling, and tapping.
- Enables multi-functional machiningwithout repositioning.
- Used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
Maximum capabilities for CNC turning
Part size limitations | Metric units | Imperial units |
Maximum part diameter | 431 mm | 17 in |
Maximum part length | 990 mm | 39 in |
Maximum swing over the carriage | 350 mm | 13.7 in |
Maximum spindle through-hole | 40 mm | 1.5 in |
Available materials for CNC machining
Here is a list of our standard CNC machining materials available.
CNC Metals
Aluminum | Stainless steel | Mild, Alloy & Tool steel | Other metal |
Aluminum 6061-T6 /3.3211 | SUS303 /1.4305 | Mild steel 1018 | Brass C360 |
Aluminum 6082 /3.2315 | SUS304L /1.4306 |
| Copper C101 |
Aluminum 7075-T6 /3.4365 | 316L /1.4404 | Mild steel 1045 | Copper C110 |
Aluminum 5083 /3.3547 | 2205 Duplex | Alloy steel 1215 | Titanium Grade 1 |
Aluminum 5052 /3.3523 | Stainless Steel 17-4 | Mild steel A36 | Titanium Grade 2 |
Aluminum 7050-T7451 | Stainless Steel 15-5 | Alloy steel 4130 | Invar |
Aluminum 2014 | Stainless Steel 416 | Alloy steel 4140 /1.7225 | Inconel 718 |
Aluminum 2017 | Stainless Steel 420 /1.4028 | Alloy steel 4340 | Magnesium AZ31B |
Aluminum 2024-T3 | Stainless Steel 430 /1.4104 | Tool Steel A2 | Brass C260 |
Aluminum 6063-T5 / | Stainless Steel 440C /1.4112 | Tool Steel A3 |
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Aluminum A380 | Stainless Steel 301 | Tool Steel D2 /1.2379 |
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Aluminum MIC 6 | Tool Steel S7 |
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| Tool Steel H13 |
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| Tool Steel O1 /1.251 |
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CNC Plastics
Plastics | Reinforced Plastic |
ABS | Garolite G-10 |
Polypropylene (PP) | Polypropylene (PP) 30%GF |
Nylon 6 (PA6 /PA66) | Nylon 30%GF |
Delrin (POM-H) | FR-4 |
Acetal (POM-C) | PMMA (Acrylic) |
PVC | PEEK |
HDPE |
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UHMW PE |
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Polycarbonate (PC) |
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PET |
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PTFE (Teflon) |
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Tolerances
We follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC Machining.
Limits for nominal size | Plastics (ISO 2768- m) | Metals (ISO 2768- f) |
0.5mm* to 3mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 3mm to 6mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 6mm to 30mm | ±0.2mm | ±0.1mm |
Over 30mm to 120mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.15mm |
Over 120mm to 400mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.2mm |
Over 400mm to 1000mm | ±0.8mm | ±0.3mm |
Over 1000mm to 2000mm | ±1.2mm | ±0.5mm |
Over 2000mm to 4000mm | ±2mm |
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- Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing.
CNC turning design guidelines
The table below summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in CNC machined parts.
Feature | Recommended size | Feasible size |
Min. feature size | Ø 2.5 mm | Ø 0.5 mm |
Internal edges | R 8 mm | R 0.25 mm |
Minimum wall thickness | 0.8 mm (for metals) | 0.5 mm (for metals) |
Holes | Diameter:standard drill bit sizes | Diameter: Ø 0.5 mm |
Threads | Size: M6 or larger | Size: M2 |